Clinical-pathological and laboratorial findings in a horse with Schiff-Sherrington syndrome / Achados clínico-patológicos e laboratoriais em um equino com síndrome de Schiff-Sherrington

ABSTRACT

Background: Schiff-Sherrington syndrome is characterized by extensor hypertonicity of the forelimbs and flaccid hindlimbs as a result from the interruption of the ascending inhibitory effect on motor neurons of forelimbs. The main cause is trauma to the spinal cord in thoracolumbar segment and is considered a common condition in companion animals, but rarely reported in large animals. The present study aimed to report the clinical-pathological and laboratorial findings of a horse with Schiff-Sherington syndrome. Case A 9-year-old mare weighing 330 kg was referred for clinical evaluation after a 36 h evolution of an acute onset of inability to stand. During physical examination the horse was on lateral recumbency and presented normal mental status, spasticity of the forelimbs, flaccid paralysis of the hind limbs, and superficial sensitivity decreased from the 13th thoracic vertebra, reaching the perianal region and hindlimbs. Hematological and biochemical abnormalities included mild neutrophilic leukocytosis, hypoalbuminemia and increased activity of aspartate aminotransferase. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis showed yellowish coloration (xanthochromia), turbidity (+1), increased density, hypoproteinemia and erythrophagocytosis. Microbiological culture of CSF was negative. Necropsy revealed muscle hematomas and complete fracture of the 10th and 11th thoracic vertebrae with [...]